In response to the need for reliable vital statistics for producing timely and accurate population estimates and other demographic and health statistics, WHO is convening a workshop on civil registration and vital statistics in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 January to 1 February 2013.

The objectives of the workshop are to:

• discuss and analyse the rapid assessment results and country reports; and
• identify which countries will undertake the comprehensive assessment, the results of which will form the basis for a comprehensive multi-year plan to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics.

WHO, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), in collaboration with other partners, have been embarking on a strategic initiative to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics systems in Member States.

The first step in this initiative is to develop evidence-based strategies by objectively assessing the current functioning of the civil registration systems and the quality of vital statistics produced internally within each country. Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean are currently finalizing rapid assessments of their vital registration systems which will be followed by the comprehensive assessments.

Related links

Concept note

Programme

Related documents

Strengthening civil registration and vital statistics for births, deaths and causes of death Resource Kit [pre-press copy pdf 4.35MB]

Rapid assessment of national civil registration and vital statistics systems [pdf 962.31kb]

Improving the quality and use of birth, death and cause-of-death information. Guidance for a standards-based review of country practices

Health metrics resources

Health metrics tools